Here is a comprehensive overview of Lantus (Insulin Glargine) 100 IU/mL:
Lantus (Insulin Glargine) 100 IU/mL
Formulation & Brands
- Generic name: Insulin glargine
- Concentration: 100 units/mL (U-100)
- Brand names: Lantus, Basaglar, Semglee, Toujeo (Toujeo is a higher-concentration formulation at 300 units/mL)
- Class: Long-acting basal insulin analog
Mechanism of Action
Insulin glargine is engineered by altering the isoelectric point of the insulin molecule, making it less soluble at physiological pH. After subcutaneous injection, it forms a microprecipitate at the injection site from which insulin is slowly released into the circulation over an extended period. This produces a flat, peakless pharmacodynamic profile — unlike NPH insulin which has a distinct peak — providing smooth basal glucose control over ~24 hours.
At the receptor level, it binds the insulin receptor (a tyrosine kinase receptor), promoting:
- Glucose uptake into muscle and adipose tissue (via GLUT4 translocation)
- Glycogen synthesis in liver and muscle
- Suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis
- Inhibition of lipolysis and ketogenesis
Pharmacokinetics
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|
| Onset | 3–4 hours after subcutaneous injection |
| Peak | No pronounced peak (flat profile) |
| Duration | ~24 hours (up to 24 hours) |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection only (never IV) |
| Administration | Once daily, can be given at any time of day |
Dose, injection site, blood supply, temperature, and physical activity can all affect onset and duration.
Indications
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus — basal insulin component, combined with rapid-acting insulin at meals
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus — basal glucose control when oral agents ± GLP-1 agonists are insufficient
- Pregnancy — previously category C; safety data has evolved (check current guidelines)
Dosing Principles
- Basal insulin requirement is assessed by fasting glucose levels
- Average doses in type 1 DM: ~0.6–0.8 units/kg/day (total daily dose)
- Given once daily at any consistent time
- Adjust dose based on fasting glucose targets (typically fasting BG 80–130 mg/dL per ADA)
Important Clinical Points
⚠️ Do NOT mix with other insulins — mixing glargine with rapid-acting insulins (e.g., lispro, aspart) in the same syringe alters its pharmacodynamic profile and defeats the peakless mechanism.
Subcutaneous use only — never administer intravenously.
Perioperative management: Patients may be instructed to take approximately half their usual dose the evening before surgery.
Adverse Effects
| Effect | Notes |
|---|
| Hypoglycemia | Most serious and common; risk lower than with NPH due to absence of peak |
| Weight gain | Common with insulin therapy generally |
| Injection site reactions | Local irritation, redness |
| Lipodystrophy | Atrophy or hypertrophy of subcutaneous fat; minimized by rotating injection sites |
Comparison with Other Long-Acting Insulins
| Insulin | Mechanism of prolonged action | Duration |
|---|
| Glargine (Lantus) | Microprecipitate from altered isoelectric point | ~24 h |
| Detemir (Levemir) | Fatty acid chain → albumin binding, slow dissociation | ~18–24 h |
| Degludec (Tresiba) | Multihexamer depot formation | >42 h (longest) |
| NPH | Zinc-protamine complex, less soluble | ~12–18 h (has peak) |
Contraindications / Cautions
- Do not use for acute glucose lowering (e.g., DKA) — use IV regular insulin instead
- Reduce dose in renal insufficiency (reduced insulin clearance)
- Pregnancy: previous concerns about mitogenic activity; current guidelines should be consulted for updated recommendations
- Avoid inhaled insulin formulations (Afrezza) in asthma/COPD — not applicable to glargine but relevant when selecting insulin type
Sources: Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology; Rosen's Emergency Medicine; Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine; Creasy & Resnik's Maternal-Fetal Medicine